Her Inner Circle Is Not Surprised. Although Caan lived up to his self-appointed name, he struggled to match Ferrell's relentless Christmas energy and improvising skills which was exactly the dynamic their characters needed. In an interview with EW 25 years after the film's release, Caan recalled sitting in the theater with Reiner and Stephen King, who penned the story, at the premiere. The scene when Buddy is on the bridge and sees Santas sleigh crash mirrors when George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) hits his low point in Its A Wonderful Life, yet another classic holiday movie. The hardest part about the mealtime scenes, Steenburgen said, was not laughing at Ferrell. Now Jon has directed and produced dozens of blockbuster movies, including many from theMarvel Cinematic Universe! Whats going on? She was also excited to record a version with Leon Redbone, of whom she was a big fan. But [my Elf character] is the ne plus ultra Santa, and all of the others were [in] preparation for this!. Elf stars pay a sweet tribute to James Caan - Digital Spy It took him a while to get with the programming. Will Ferrell and Bob Newhart in "Elf,"2003. ELF (InfiniFilm DVD, 2003) CHRISTMAS COMEDY WILL FERRELL JAMES CAAN While the film became an instant classic thats still featured in movie marathons, holiday events and drive-ins today, Will admitted to James Corden on The Late Late Show in 2018 that There were moments he thought the now-beloved film would be the downfall of his entire acting career. Walter Hobbs is the deuteragonist of Elf and Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas. Casting him as the lead in a family Christmas movie was a risk, but Ferrell saw doing something different as a great opportunity. 2023 E! Knowing that the key was to have Caans Walter bristle against Ferrells Buddy, the former Saturday Night Live actor and improv comedian decided to agitate the Oscar-nominee until he made the journey from annoyance to bemusement. And yes, that really is Ferrell singing. James Caan Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Elves thrive on the four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, of course), but one of the dumb things we all ignored in Elf was that Buddy, as a human, would probably be very ill, if not dead, on this diet. Suddenly, Ferrell was famous, specifically for playing a beer-guzzling, streaking, ribbon-dancing, ring-of-fire-jumping frat man. Ming Ming The Elf Is A Holiday Movie Star. The boots that are curled up," Lange said, laughing. "It was a much darker version of the film. The Academy Award-nominated star of The Godfather was hired to play Walter in part because Favreau wanted a stern persona to play against Ferrell's giddy Buddy, and Caan took the comedy of Elf seriously. most people who have seen it would be, too. Caan met a new generation of fans when he played the straight-and-narrow biological father to Will Ferrell's Buddy in 2003's Elf. This run was a huge success, taking in more than $1.4 million in one week, a record for the Al Hirschfield Theater where it debuted. The elf Ming Ming oversees toy production and unintentionally helps Buddy realize hes a human. He even landed a role inSpiderMan: Far From Homein 2019. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ELF (InfiniFilm DVD, 2003) CHRISTMAS COMEDY WILL FERRELL JAMES CAAN ZOOEY at the best online prices at eBay! Though immortalized here and in the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street, the department store closed its doors in 1987, its 100th year of operation. Producer Billingsley, who is best known as Ralphie in A Christmas Story, made a cameo as a toy-making elf in Santas workshop on the film. Whenever wed go into an Italian restaurant, theyd put on The Godfather soundtrack. James Caan, the Oscar-nominated star of The Godfather, Misery and Elf, has died at the age of 82. James Caan, the veteran screen actor known for his work in such films as "The Godfather," "Misery" and "Elf," has died, his family said in a statement on his verified Twitter account. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? No explanation is given. Buddy sure has the same stride as the mythical creature. Im not the least bit embarrassed by this, nor should you be if youre in the same camp. 12. I create a huge echo chamber with my tongue and my cheeks, and by doing a deep, almost Tuvan rasp in my throat, and bouncing it around off this echo chamber, I create something that sounds very much like a sustained deep burp. Big Tech news and how to take control of your data and devices, Oscar nominee Angela Bassett did the thing and heres what that means, Suddenly, Jamie Lee Curtis is everything everywhere all at once, In the Spotify era, many musicians struggle to make a living, How Mark Zuckerberg broke Metas workforce, Elon Musk describes Starship flight as roughly what I expected, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey says Musk wasnt an ideal leader after all. So if you could make him laugh, all the tension disappears. He told Blackfilm in 2003, "The appeal of it was to be able to shoot a film that would be funny but also heartfelt and be a different type of thing for me to do something that a family audience would see. Watch closely and you'll see he turns away from the camera so as not to ruin the take. Some effects just couldn't be practical. "It is with great sadness . This includes all the Manhattan exteriors, as well as scenes shot at Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Central Park West, where Buddy's dad lives. The sprawling department store that takes up a whole block in Manhattan was digitally altered to transform into Elf's Gimbels. "It's sort of romantic, but it's sort of weird, too.". "We had one take to destroy it," Lange told ABC News, "So Favreau said, 'Just go nuts! Movies. 'Elf' Cast: Where Are They Now? Will Ferrell, More - Us Weekly Both are now closed. Aside from his acting career, Faizon is also a comedian. James Caan and Linda Caan during "Elf" New York Premiere at Loews Astor Plaza in New York City, New York, United States. "I decided I wouldn't be able to. James Caan's Biggest Movie Roles [PHOTOS] He knew it was crucial for Walter to be annoyednever amusedby his supposed son's antics. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. In 2012, Caan joined son Scott on an episode of Hawaii Five-0, playing a retired NYPD bomb expert who becomes a private investigator in Oahu. But the director said lining up a large set and small set required extremely precise lighting to control continuity between the appearance of both the background and foreground. Instead, they created the window where Buddy sleeps inside the Empire State Building with a very short turnaround time, as Smith told Entertainment Weekly. But he managed to make it work for most of the interior locations you see in the movie. When asked about the cult-classic success of the film, Will said it was just obviously one of those where the stars aligned and 15 years later, its crazy.. Originally, Favreau wanted to use Macy's, but the brand refused to show a Macy's Santa being unmasked (unbearded) as a fake. And so forth until you cant remember how many times youve watched it. He was an Oscar nominee, for his role in "The Godfather." Who Is the Mother of Love Is Blind Season 3 Star Bartise Bowdens Son? "I remember asking myself: could I withstand the criticism when it's bad and they say, 'He did the sequel for the money?'" By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Daniel was just 12 when he starred as Walters son in Elf. The first script for Elf was actually written in 1993, with Jim Carrey in mind to play the titular Santa's helper. The article has been updated. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Well, believe it or not, the film actually debuted on Nov. 7, 2003 and yes, that comes out to a whole 18 years ago! In the scene where Buddy suffers as a toy tester, he's subjected to popping open an endless stream of menacing jack-in-the-boxes. Speaking to The Guardian about his decision the following year, Ferrell admitted that it was a lot of money but said he had no regrets. The laugh is from the hyena in the zoo in Lady and the Tramp, which someone was kind enough to share on YouTube to confirm. Ferrell told Blackfilm it was one of his favorite scenes to film. He didnt bring a bag with him from the North Pole. Caan told CBS in 2021 that he didn't love television, in part because "I fought always never to be the same person. Columbia Pictures. However, he had some fun alongside Molly Sims and Josh Duhamel on Las Vegas, starring as casino bigwig Ed Deline from 2003 to 2007. We were going to do it, and I thought, Oh my God, I finally have a franchise movie. 18. All of the elves outfits are designed to look like those seen in Rudolph, with Buddys costume matching the Head Elfs. What seems craziest to fans is the fact that despite the films success, there was never a sequel. Details, Why Did Taylor and Joe Break Up? The anxiety etched on Ferrell's face in these scenes is real. Buddy used his elf training to construct it overnight, but it took the production team two weeks. Some of the movie's coziest, most Christmassy scenes were shot in a location that was neither cozy nor Christmassy Riverview Hospital, an abandoned mental institution in British Columbia. "The costume was important," Favreau told ABC News. In a 2020 Rolling Stone interview , director Jon Favreau recalled . In the scene at Walters office where Buddy answers the phone, he says, Whats your favorite color? Both Berenbaum and director Jon Favreau were inspired by the studio's colorful, quirky Christmas movies. Thats probably my most famous role of anything Ive ever done because thats the one thats on T-shirts and sweaters, Favreau told 20/20 in 2017. According to Pratchetts lore, octarine is the color of magic, so of course Buddy loves it! The following year, Caan married actress and costume designer Linda Stokes, with whom he had two more sons, James and Jacob. Eventually, something just clicked in Jimmy and he just went with it. Walter Hobbs | Elf Wiki | Fandom James Caan, Oscar-nominated actor of 'The Godfather,' 'Misery' and 'Elf The first script for Elf was actually written in 1993, with Jim Carreyin mind to play the titular Santa's helper. As a writer/director/actor, Favreau has often appeared in his own films. Best in Commentary. The production department even changed the stitching on Caan's chair to his new nickname overnight. Its particularly striking given how picky he could be he rejected starring roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner and Superman (because he didnt want to wear a cape), among others. Instead of smiling and crawling as needed, they cried relentlessly. Although he has passed since Elf came out, Harryhausen is a legend when it comes to stop-motion animation. ", 5. So Favreau says, Just go nuts, but we got one take., 4. They wanted to make the kind of Christmas movie that families gather together to rewatch every year in the holidays. "All of us were a little scared of James Caan," producer Jon Berg admitted to Netflix. Hes prickly, but not a complete jerk, tough but vulnerable. Gimbels Santa and Buddy had one take to film the North Pole fight scene. Born in New York City on March 26, 1940, to Sophie and Arthur Caan, Jewish immigrants from Germany, James Caan went to Michigan State University on an athletic scholarship before turning to Off-Broadway, according to a 1975 PEOPLE profile. As with all successful family films, the movie manages to delight parent and child alike, partially by introducing the younger generation to an army of Hollywoods elder statesmen. Plus, The New York Times called it, "A splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment." James Caan says there wont be a sequel to the hit Christmas fantasy-comedy "Elf" because headliner Will Ferrell and director Jon Favreau . And his A Night at the Roxbury co-star Chris Kattan was his elf. She plays Gail inThe Last Man On Earth, has appeared inThe Connersas Marcy, andmadeher Christmas movie return inHappiest Seasonon Hulu. 6. James Caan Remembered by Adam Sandler, Rob Reiner and More: 'Best of the Best', All About James Hong, 94-Year-Old 'Everything Everywhere' Star Who Got Standing Ovation at SAG Awards. He then voiced Professor Proton in the shows spinoff,Young Sheldon. Luckily, James Caan, who played Walter Hobbs in the movie, finally revealed why in September 2020. Now, hes a hunk who does a bit of voice acting, though he doesnt appear on the big screen anymore. The couple divorced in 2009. The headlines youll read this week will likely focus on The Godfather. But every December and maybe even July well be focused on Elf, waiting for the moment when Caans Walter puts on that Santa coat and begrudgingly belts Santa Claus Is Comin to Town.. July 8, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. EDT. Throughout "Elf," James Caan is constantly and exasperatedly brushing off Buddy's need for a father figure and his childish attempts at bonding with his estranged father. The first time I met him I just put him in a bear hug and yelled Dad! I thought that would break the ice, he told the entertainment website Blackfilm in 2003. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! Sadly, Ed died on August 29, 2021. Here are eight things you might not know about the movie Elf., 1. We ended up hanging out a lot off-set. This was back when the pair were pre-Saturday Night Live, and part of The Groundlings comedy troupe. Will Ferrell, Kristian Ayre, Peter Billingsley, and David Avalon in "Elf," 2003. Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Legendary actor James Caan, best known for his roles in "The Godfather" and "Elf," has died at the age of 82. 9. Not only is the real Santa played by the late Ed Asner, who voiced Lou Grant from Pixars Up, but if you feel like youve seen Asners Santa before, thats because you probably have. "Overnight I was a genius," Caan told PEOPLE in 1975 of his early string of hits. Like many productions, this one took advantage of the financial benefits of filming in Canada, and much of Elf was shot in sound stages in Vancouver. The Godfather (1972) Caan immortalized himself in what would become his signature role as lovable hothead Santino "Sonny" Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's Mafia epic. Pitting the capital-S Serious actor against Ferrells manic creation was part of director Jon Favreaus plan, though it made for a nervous crew. . His specific casting in that role adds to obviously why it works so well., Caan has a great sense of humor. See What The 'Elf' Cast Looks Like Now: Photos of Stars We shot right up until we destroy the place," Lange said. In the years following Elf, Caan acted in films like Get Smart (2008), For the Love of Money (2012) and Holy Land (2019). 8 photos. Notably, in the North Pole sequences, they used forced perspective to make Ferrell look much taller than his co-stars. So I had to wait until I was done with that movie. Despite Elf's success, there's a lump of coal to go with the Christmas joy. Elf made nearly seven times its $32 million budget at the box office alone, but during the shoot, money was tight. Charlotte says how the Central Park Rangers used controversial tactics during the Simon and Garfunkel concert of 85. . James Caan: 10 memorable roles - BBC News "We shot right up until we destroy the place," Lange told ABC News. Peter Billingsley, who memorably played the Red Ryder-wanting Ralphie in the 1983 holiday classic, popped in to play Ming the elf. Will Ferrell and Jon Favreau in "Elf," 2003. ET on ABC. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. While reporter Charlotte is interviewing people about seeing Santas sleigh in Central Park, a man takes over the interview by complimenting her. Together, this trio traveled around the city, looking for mischief for Buddy to get into with random passersby turned background extras. Faizon played Al onStep Up: High Waterfrom 2018 to 2019 andcontinues to act in various roles. Favreau and Lange both told "20/20" that the movie's art department worked long hours over two weeks to set the scene with an elaborate LEGO city-scape, Lite Brite displays, and miniature train setup. And dont feel bad Buddy would have missed these subtleties, too. Unless youre living under a rock, you already know that he starred onGame of Thronesas Tyrion Lannister! Elf (2003) - Photo Gallery - IMDb She explained to Variety, "There are worse things in the world to eat than that, but we had been doing it for hours." And then they had to source all the bricks specially. To play the bubbly baby version of the titular elf, Favreau had initially cast twin boys whose blonde curly hair made them great little doubles for the mop-topped Ferrell. These elements where then carefully overlaid in camera, using lighting to blend the seams. According to Favreaus DVD commentary special, The Godfather star broke because Ferrell often made him laugh. Favreau recruited the Chiodo brothers to film the sequences, whose resume included effects for the Gremlins movies and sequences in The Simpsons. While most people know Favreau had a small role as the pediatrician who examines Buddy and confirms he's Walter's son, the director also had another part: He voiced the Narwhal who infamously said, "Bye Buddy, hope you find your dad!". Peter does a lot more producing than acting these days. Remembering James Caan - YouTube Voice actorMaurice LaMarche, best known forgiving life toThe Brainon Pinky and the Brain, provided the dinner table belch. "He saw me when I was a little rough around the edges," James told PEOPLE at the time. "We were going to do it, and I thought, 'Oh my God, I finally have a franchise movie. For more, watch the special "20/20 Presents: Lights, Camera, Christmas: Inside Holiday Movie Classics," on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 10 p.m. He was a lot of fun.". The horrifying laughter in the Jack-in-the-boxes that Buddy tests is actually from a classic Disney film. "And they said, 'No, you have to keep your hair what it was in the meeting.' Pierce Brosnan is honoring late costar James Caan as someone who gave himself "to the art of acting and performance to the very end." On Friday, Brosnan, 69, shared a series of photos from the set . Amy has since starred in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, BoJack Horseman, No Activity, and tons more! Browse 304 james caan linda caan photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Originally, the filmmakers wanted comic Garry Shandling, but when he declined, they went to the next obvious choice famous tough guy James Caan. Ferrell admitted to Blackfilm, "Yeah, that was tough. Elf is just like The Godfather, really: It doesnt work without James Caan. Favreau told Rolling Stone that Caan "always felt like he was being treated right on the set. Anyone who grew up watching Rankin/Bass specials will notice similarities with Elf, especially in the North Pole sequences. Part of why I asked you to cameo in the film was because I wanted some of 'The Christmas Story,' that good mojo, Favreau said to Billingsley, who has gone on to have a successful career as a producer and worked with Favreau on the "Iron Man" movie. 'Sleepless in Seattle' Cast: Where Are They Now? Ferrell's brother Patrick Ferrell played one of the security guards that drags Buddy out of the Empire State Building. Menu. We were half-joking, saying, 'Maybe someday this will be like [A] Christmas Story where every year you'll watch it, because there are a few movies that get to be part of that cycle, Favreau said. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. At this point, every Game of Thrones fan should know that Tyrion Lannister (actor Peter Dinklage) plays author Miles Finch. "He really never came to any of his movies. Santaland took weeks to make but minutes to destroy. The crew carefully made sure the two always matched. James Caan Dies: 'The Godfather' Oscar Nominee, 'Brian's Song' & 'Elf So by the second weekend, Kattan had dropped the whole affectation he was doing and was like (Ferrell makes a face of bitter boredom), 'Santa's over there, kid.'". But he said the actual fight between the characters had to be done in one take. We remember Favreau on screen as the doctor that administers Buddy's DNA . The Oscar nominee often played it serious, and was beloved by fans because of it. "That's probably my most famous role of anything I've ever done because that's the one that's on T-shirts and sweaters," he told ABC. "I look up. In Elf, he was able to channel a workaholic publishing executive who refuses to reprint a childrens book missing a couple of pages in the name of the almighty dollar, and who is annoyed if not terrified to learn he might unknowingly have a son from a previous relationship. Actor James Caan at home playing a guitar on April 16,1970 in Hollywood, California. And the cast struggled, too. Youre going to read an awful lot about Sonny Corleone over the next few days. ", Caan appeared in Wes Anderson's very first feature film in 1996 as Mr. Henry, a bad guy with a wild streak. Ferrell later told Rotten Tomatoes that it was when he saw the original ending at the LA premiere that he knew the movie was special. They got started, but the schedule was thrown out the window when New Line arranged a preview screening before the sequences were ready. Anyone else notice that Michael and Buddys water glasses were empty at dinner? "So when you watch it, it doesn't feel like it ages the same way that a film that has a lot of digital effects does.. He was an executive producer forF is for Familyon Netflix. Will Ferrell and Faizon Love in "Elf," 2003. 21 Fun Facts About 'Elf' | Mental Floss People would be looking at him walking on the side and that would cause a few minor traffic accidents.". For example, the man in the red jogging suit he mistakes for Santa wasn't a paid actor. Everywhere he goes, The Godfather theme., No, Elf probably wont be added to the Criterion Collection anytime soon. The New York Times called his presence "a lunatic bonhomie that lights a welcome spark.". James Caan, Oscar-nominated actor of 'The Godfather,' 'Misery' and 'Elf